Nigeria Customs Hands Over Three Containers of Expired Drugs to NAFDAC at Tin Can Port

Nigeria Customs Hands Over Three Containers of Expired Drugs to NAFDAC at Tin Can Port

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over three containers of expired and unregistered pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), reinforcing inter-agency collaboration to safeguard public health and national security.

In a demonstration of strengthened synergy among maritime and border security agencies, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has transferred three 20-foot containers of expired pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC at the Tin Can Port, Apapa, Lagos.

Speaking during a brief handover ceremony, the Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank O. Onyeka, said the exercise underscored the collective commitment of sister agencies to prevent harmful products from entering Nigerian markets. He noted that the formal transfer would enable NAFDAC to carry out appropriate regulatory actions on the seized items.

Comptroller Onyeka disclosed that two of the containers, with identification numbers PONU031958/6 and MSKU711656/0, were found to contain expired Tramadol tablets. According to him, thorough examination revealed that the first container held 86 cartons of Vingil Tramadol BP 50mg, while the second contained 250 cartons of the same expired drug.

He added that a third container, numbered MSKU413519/1, was discovered to contain 370 cartons of expired Diclofenac Sodium BP 50mg tablets without a valid NAFDAC registration number, rendering the consignment illegal and unsafe for public consumption.

Beyond the seizures, the Customs Controller highlighted that the Command has continued to record significant operational successes through intensified cargo examinations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and sustained enforcement activities.

He assured that the Command remains proactive in intercepting prohibited and falsely declared consignments, including controlled pharmaceuticals, arms and ammunition, narcotics, and other items capable of undermining public safety and economic stability. Onyeka also reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation in line with the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to him, the Command’s achievements are driven by deliberate strategies anchored on discipline, integrity, and robust inter-agency collaboration.

He recalled that only a few days earlier, the Command handed over 55 bags of Cannabis Indica valued at over ₦4.7 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), further highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration among enforcement agencies.

Comptroller Onyeka expressed appreciation to NAFDAC operatives for their consistent cooperation, noting that the synergy between Customs and sister agencies has continued to yield positive outcomes in intercepting fake, substandard, and expired drugs before they reach the public.

He also commended officers and men of the Command for their resilience and dedication to duty, stating that their efforts have strengthened the Command’s credibility and operational effectiveness. Additionally, he acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, for his purposeful leadership and strategic reforms that have enhanced Customs operations nationwide.

Reassuring the public, Onyeka said the Command would not relent in its resolve to combat illicit trade, enforce compliance with existing laws, and work closely with sister agencies to protect lives and property.

Responding on behalf of NAFDAC, the Chief Regulatory Officer, Investigation and Inspection Directorate, Apapa, Mr. Kareem Taiwo Adekunle, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its uncompromising stance against the importation of illicit drugs. He assured that NAFDAC would conduct further investigations and take necessary regulatory actions on the seized consignments.